Merck 's Novel HIF-2α Inhibitor in patients with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) Disease-Associated Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma displayed an objective response rate of nearly 30%.
Merck known as MSD outside the United States and Canada on May 13 2020, announced the first results of a Phase 2 trial evaluating the hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha Merck 's Novel , Disease-Associated
Merck known as MSD outside the United States and Canada on May 13 2020, announced the first results of a Phase 2 trial evaluating the hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α) inhibitor MK-6482, a novel Merck oncology pipeline candidate for the treatment of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease-associated clear renal cell carcinoma (cccRCC). In the study, MK-6482 showed enduring responses with a reported objective response rate (ORR) of 27.9 % (n=17/61) (95 % CI: 17.1-40.8), and the median response period (DOR) was not yet reached (range: 9.1-39.0 weeks).
Research which won the Nobel Prize led to the discovery of HIF-2α and its role in cancer. MK-6482 was built on the basis of this science and with these results, we see the opportunity to target HIF-2α in those patients who need new options, "said Dr. Scot Ebbinghaus, vice president of clinical research, Merck Research Laboratories. "These results support Merck's long-term strategy to create the oncology pipeline of the firm, including by acquiring and accelerating the production of new therapeutic candidates such as MK-6482.
Von Hippel-Lindau disease is a rare genetic disorder that affects multiple organs, placing patients at risk for multiple cancers, including renal cell carcinoma. Cancer remains one of the major causes of death for people with von Hippel-Lindau disease, and new treatment approaches are important, "said Dr. Eric Jonasch, professor at the Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Cancer Medicine Division, MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas. "The findings of this study provide proof of the potential benefit of MK-6482 and encourage further research into how this HIF-2α inhibitor may play a meaningful role for those patients for whom there is currently no systemic approved therapy options available.
Such findings are discussed at an oral abstract session of the 2020 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting (Abstract # 5003) on the virtual research programme. As announced, more than 80 abstracts will be presented from Merck 's wide oncology portfolio and investigational pipeline in approximately 20 forms of solid tumors and blood cancers. Follow Merck on Twitter via @Merck and use the hashtag # ASCO20 to stay up to date with ASCO news and updates.
